PRA-BC PRE-SCREENING REQUIREMENTS

Pre-screening criteria are set out by PRA-BC and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC).

Important!

Effective April 17, 2026, the PRA-BC program will require all applicants to have passed an acceptable English test to demonstrate English language proficiency.  

Although the CPSBC accepts English test waiver letters from medical schools or postgraduate training institutions to demonstrate English proficiency, PRA-BC requires English language test results acceptable to the CPSBC. PRA-BC no longer accepts waiver letters.

Please note that recently expired test results may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Combination of component scores from multiple test sittings will not be accepted.

Eligibility Requirements: [Download the requirements checklist here.]

  1. A medical degree issued by a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

  2. Two years of postgraduate training in an international jurisdiction leading to registration or recognition as a general/family physician in that jurisdiction.

  3. Completion of 7 core rotations:

    • A minimum of 4 weeks of postgraduate training in each of: internal/general medicine, general surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and emergency medicine;

    • A minimum of 8 weeks of postgraduate training in family medicine.

  4. Completion of a minimum of 2 years of discipline-specific time in independent practice as a general or family practitioner in that or another jurisdiction.

  5. Academic credentials verification of medical degree, passport, and postgraduate training letters that confirm completion of the 7 core rotations through physiciansapply.ca

  6. Currency in practice – section 6-13(1) of the CPSBC bylaws – a of minimum of 24 weeks (and not less than 960 hours) of clinical practice as a general/family practitioner in the preceding 3 years, excluding research, teaching, administration, and regulatory activities.

  7. A current CV that fully explains all activities, professional or otherwise.

  8. English Language Proficiency (ELP) through an approved test, with minimum scores achieved in a single sitting.

    Accepted Tests and Minimum Scores:

    • IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 7 in each component

    • OET Medicine: Minimum grade of B in each component

    • CELPIP General: Minimum score of 9 in each component

      • Exception: Applicants with a current and valid medical license in any province or territory in Canada (e.g. Associate Physician or Clinical Assistant) may be exempt from submitting ELP exam results.

    Please note: PRA-BC pre-screening requirements are subject to change at any time without notice.